A surprise musical moment on Saturday Night Live’s (SNL) Season 51 premiere has captured global attention. The unexpected appearance connected one of the year’s biggest Netflix animated hits with television’s most iconic stage.
KPop Demon Hunters’ HUNTR/X performs ‘Golden’ on SNL Season 51 premiere
Saturday Night Live opened its 51st season on October 4 with a surprise performance from KPop Demon Hunters singers Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. The trio served as the voice members of the animated girl group HUNTR/X in the Netflix and Sony Animation film. They performed their chart-topping hit “Golden” during a brunch-themed sketch hosted by Bad Bunny. The segment marked their first-ever live performance of the song.
In the sketch, Bad Bunny’s character fixates on the KPop Demon Hunters movie, calling it “actually not for kids,” while his friends attempt to change the subject. Midway through, a thought bubble reveals Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami performing before they appear in person to close the skit with a live rendition of “Golden.” Bowen Yang also appeared as Jinu, performing “Soda Pop,” another track from the film’s soundtrack.
Released in June, KPop Demon Hunters follows a K-pop girl group who secretly fight demons from the underworld. The film quickly became Netflix’s most-streamed animated title and inspired a sing-along theatrical release in August. Its soundtrack stayed in the Billboard 200 top 10 for several weeks. “Golden” reached No. 1 and held the spot after ending Alex Warren’s long-running streak. Other tracks, such as “Your Idol” and “Soda Pop,” by the film’s fictional boy group Saja Boys, are also in the Hot 100’s top five.
After the SNL appearance, Ejae announced her debut solo single, “In Another World,” releasing on October 24. She wrote on Instagram, “I’m so humbled and grateful for the love I’ve received as a songwriter and the singing voice of Rumi from KPop Demon Hunters.” The trio will next perform “Golden” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on October 7.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on ComingSoon.
